May 2019 News

Carl Buchan Wins 2019 Star Western Hemisphere Championship

The Star boat is often seen as one of the finest, most challenging classes to compete in. It requires dedication and hard work to be successful. This weekend, 26 sailors made their way out to the Pacific for the Star Western Hemisphere Championship, where a handful of sailors proved just how dedicated they really were.

By the end of day three, the majority of the top five sailors on the scoresheet were already determined. On the final day, day four, the order barely budged. Carl Buchan, sailing with his son Jamie Buchan, won the last race and the series overall. Following in second was Brian Ledbetter sailing with Magnus Liljedahl. In third place was Eric Doyle sailing with Payson Infelise.

First place finisher Carl Buchan commented on his success. “It was a hard fought series. The last couple of breaks went our way and being consistent was our main strategy. The first race today we took off after the start and then just couldn’t get out of our own way. The second race we needed to pass a couple of boats and thankfully we did. Both races had a lot more position changes today and the racing was really close.”

Carl Buchan Leads at Day 3 of Star Western Hemisphere Championship

One piece of advice that sailors can typically agree on is the more time spent on the water, the better you’ll do. While that may be true for the majority of sailors, Carl Buchan has been proving so far at the Star Western Hemisphere Championship that once you’re that good, you don’t need more time.

Overall, Buchan holds the top spot on the scoresheet after three more races today. Following in second by a mere one point is Eric Doyle and his crew Payson Infelise and Brian Ledbetter and his crew Magnus Liljedahl in third.

A Slow Start for the Star Western Hemisphere Championship

San Diego, CA (May 23, 2019) It’s been a slow start for the Star Western Hemisphere Championship as unfavorable conditions swept through San Diego on Wednesday, postponing the start of the regatta due to high wind and seas. On Thursday, twenty-six sailors launched their vessels and eagerly headed out past Point Loma to the ocean venue ready to sail. However, the extremely light winds didn’t help pick up the pace.

The current overall standings show Carl and Jamie Buchan in first with 5 points, Allan Terhune and Ian Coleman in second with 7 points, and Ben Mitchell and Patrick Powell in third with 12 points.

Star sailing legend Carl Buchan has quite the extensive sailing background, proving his experience by standing in first place overall. Fellow Olympians John Dane and Brian Ledbetter did not stray too far behind, all making it in the top five on the scoresheet at the end of day two. However, their sailing resume and success didn’t stop them from facing the other intense competitors on the water.